To me, a church service is people working together for the glory of God and for the benefit of others. Services bring comfort, inspiration, and joy, but sometimes there’s a sneaking thought that suggests that serving in church is a burden rather than a joy.
Currently, I serve as one of the head ushers in my Christian Science church. One Sunday, when I was feeling uninspired, I thought about the account of Jesus and the two sisters, Martha and Mary, in the Gospel of Luke. I wondered: Was I being like Martha—rushing around getting things ready—instead of like Mary—sitting quietly and taking in the healing message of the Christ? I felt as if I was missing something and wanted to just sit quietly and listen to the service.
The Gospel of Luke says, “Martha was cumbered about much serving” (Luke 10:40). When Martha complained that Mary wasn’t helping her, Christ Jesus rebuked her: “But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part” (Luke 10:42). I wondered: Was I missing out on that good part?
